Connecticut Identity

Password-Protect Your Devices. Use a Password Manager. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts. Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone. Regularly Check Your Credit Reports. Protect Your Personal Documents. Limit Your Exposure.

Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report. Freeze Your Credit Report. Order Your Free Credit Reports. Buy Your Credit Reports. Monitor Your Accounts Online. Enroll in Credit Monitoring. Keep Your Social Security Number Safe. Pick Up Your Check Order.

Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment for two years or by imprisonment for five years if it relates to a terrorism offense. At least thus far, the government has rarely prosecuted the five-year terrorism form of the offense.

Skimmer devices. Thieves can copy your credit card information using a hand held device called a skimmer. Dumpster diving. Printed documents that state private information should be shredded before being thrown away. Mail theft. Internet. Phishing. Pretext Calling. Shoulder Surfing. Card Verification Value Code Requests.

Password-Protect Your Devices. Use a Password Manager. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts. Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone. Regularly Check Your Credit Reports. Protect Your Personal Documents. Limit Your Exposure.

You may be able to have your identity theft charges dropped if: You didn't obtain use a person's information unlawfully If you did not obtain or use someone else's personal information unlawfully, you are not guilty of identity theft.

Consider paying for an identity theft protection service only if: You're already the victim of identity theft or at high risk of it. You are unwilling to freeze your credit reports.You have checked and don't have adequate identity theft monitoring available for free as a benefit or as a result of a data breach.

Check all your financial accounts for errors or suspicious activity. Enroll in a credit monitoring service. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Consider freezing your credit. Alert the authorities. Always use strong passwords and be aware of information you give out. Bottom line.

Identity thieves can also obtain your personal information by stealing your wallet or purse. When this occurs, we recommend that you immediately contact credit card companies, bank, and credit bureaus to let them know of your situation.